What should I do if my dog is choking? - briefly
If your dog is choking, first try to dislodge the object by giving them a firm blow between their shoulder blades. If that doesn't work, perform the Heimlich maneuver: place your hands on either side of their ribcage and apply pressure in quick thrusts.
What should I do if my dog is choking? - in detail
If your dog is choking, immediate action is crucial. Here are the steps you should follow:
-
Check for Symptoms: Look for signs such as difficulty breathing, pawing at the mouth, drooling excessively, making choking sounds, or turning blue around the gums and tongue.
-
Open Your Dog's Mouth: Gently pull your dog’s lips back to check for any obstructions in the mouth. Be cautious; a scared or panicked dog might bite.
-
Remove the Obstruction: If you can see the object, carefully remove it using tweezers or your fingers. Never push the object further down the throat.
-
Perform the Canine Heimlich Maneuver: If the obstruction is not visible or cannot be removed easily:
- For small dogs (under 30 pounds): Hold your dog gently but firmly with one hand supporting its back and the other hand gripping around its abdomen, just behind the ribcage.
- For larger dogs: Stand behind your dog and wrap your arms around its abdomen, just in front of the hind legs.
- Give a series of quick, firm thrusts with your hands, similar to performing CPR on a human. This should help dislodge the object.
-
Check for Breathing: After attempting to remove the obstruction, check if your dog is breathing normally. If not, continue with abdominal thrusts until the object is expelled.
-
Seek Veterinary Care Immediately: Even if you successfully dislodge the object, take your dog to a veterinarian immediately. Internal damage or complications may not be immediately apparent.
-
Keep Your Dog Calm and Warm: While waiting for veterinary care, keep your dog calm and warm to prevent shock.
-
Be Prepared: Learn basic pet first aid and always have an emergency kit on hand, including contact information for your vet and the nearest pet emergency clinic.